We had the good fortune of connecting with Derae Rain and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Derae, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Being a storyteller is vital part of any culture throughout history. Without story tellers we wouldn’t have anyone to record history or events – to retell tales or spread wisdom. It’s a beautiful privilege to be able to make stories come to life as an artist and as a filmmaker.
From a young age I have always followed a more creative- less structured- path and I have simply embraced it! It’s a part of who I am.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a cinematographer and I am passionate about storytelling. In the past I have worked in front of and behind the camera in various aspects. I fell into a creative career through a serious of unexpected opportunities and coincides. As a WOC I have had a strange experience finding opportunities and often having to push and create my own opportunities. While working in the creative field comes naturally to me- I find that networking and creating a sense of community is also something I find valuable in building a reputation and a brand.
People often underestimate the power that any art- film- photography-paintings-music- can have on the individual. I enjoy being a part of project that can connect to people and that they can relate to.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities- the food and the cultural landscape is beautiful.
If anyone had to visit LA I would suggest checking out a local museum, doing all the touristy things like the Hollywood sign (Lake Hollywood park has a great view of the sign and great parking), and maybe even taking the big bus if transportation is an issue for them!
I love Venice beach- rich in culture- and also the Santa Monica pier has many attractions to see!
However, The Grove and Beverly Hills even offer a unique experience. Not to mention the Wildlife center in Sylmar where you can have hands on animal interactions and learn more about how we can better help the environment- the proceeds go to research and conservation!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to Efe Tuncay a local writer director that I had the privilege to collaborate with as a director of photography on his original short film You Can Only Blink Once.
The story follows a young man with Tourette’s and his journey from a life of crime to self acceptance.
Instagram: @deraerai
Image Credits
Jahruneel Rai (Photographer)
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
